An EB2 visa is for individuals who hold an advanced degree in a field in medicine, other sciences, arts, athletics, etc. It is also suitable for non-US citizens who have an exceptional ability. The EB2 Category is also called the second preference green card category. With it, a foreign national receives US permanent residency.
EB-2 Green Card Requirements
Just as with EB1, the second preference green card also comes in three different types. As you will find out below, different requirements determine which one you may be entitled to. Those classes are:
EB-2A Advanced Degree
An advanced degree can be interpreted as a master’s or equivalent qualification. Depending on the field’s requirement, an applicant may also make do with a baccalaureate degree if they have an experience of 5 years or more.
The applicant must also be offered a job in the US that will require they use the knowledge gained while pursuing their degree.
EB-2B Exceptional Ability
Applicants who are extremely skilled in any of the sciences, business, or art may apply for a green card in this class. They must also be able to show 10 years of experience in the same field and have a confirmed US job offer related to it.
Aside from that, the candidates should also satisfy three of the following criteria. They must present proof that they:
- Are academically qualified for the job
- Have been working in that field for a decade or more (full-time)
- Are licensed to work in the field (may apply to some, not all)
- Have been earning an appropriately sized salary
- Are members of professional associations in that field
- Made contributions to it that have won awards, etc.
- Are suitable in some other way
EB-2C National Interest Waiver
If a candidate can prove that their work significantly contributes to the betterment of the following national sectors, they can forego a job offer for green card application:
- Economic
- Educational
- Employment
- Housing
- Cultural
- Environmental
Aside from that, the candidates should also satisfy three of the following criteria. They must present proof that they:
- Are academically qualified for the job
- Have been working in that field for a decade or more (full-time)
- Are licensed to work in the field
- Have been earning an appropriately sized salary
- Are members of professional associations in that field
- Made contributions to it that have won awards, etc.
- Are suitable in some other way
EB-2 Green Card Application Process
EB2 green card process begins when the employer files for Permanent Labor certification (PERM) with the DOL. This applies to the first two classes of the EB2 visa. When they do so, the employer must show that they have a vacancy and cannot find an American to fill it. Thus, they will need a foreigner worker for the position.
Should the DOL send them an approved PERM, the employer must move on to filing the I-140. This form is the petition for the EB-2 visa. That’s when the EB2 Wait Time begins for the applicant. The DOL decides their priority date on receiving the application.
At present, the EB2 Processing Time is three months. However, that may change with an influx of applications. That would mean any candidate whose employer submits the form 6 months before will be eligible for a priority date. Therefore, we’d recommend starting the EB2 process as early as you can manage.
On getting the green light, the applicants who are in the US can file I-485 themselves with the USCIS. However, if they are still in their home country, they can begin the consular process. For that, they will visit the local Consulate office and have them process the application. That will also involve an interview with a consular officer.
The last step of the process is where the EB2-C candidates join. That’s because they don’t need to go through the whole PERM process. It speeds up processing time for their EB2-C applications quite a bit!
Required Documents
EB2 Process completion will require the submission of the following documents:
- A passport that is going to be valid six months after they are to enter the United States. They will be informed if a longer validity period is needed. That will depend on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate’s rules that may be different in each country.
- Form DS-260
- Two 2×2 photographs in the required format, which the applicant will find in the guidelines
- Several civil documents that will provide the relevant information about the applicant. They may also need translations of the same documents if they aren’t in English. Moreover, either originals or copies – after certification – will do.
For instance, the applicant must have with them their birth and marriage certificates and the government-issued documentation for identification.
- Financial Support evidence is now even more important. When the applicant goes for their immigrant visa interview, they must prove that they will continue working and not become a burden on the US economy.
- Reports of the biometrics, which will be sealed in by the panel physician. Applicants will undergo medical examination and vaccinations during the procedure.
EB-2 Green Card Cost
EB2 Visa Cost consists of:
- $700 when the employer files I-140
Depending on the applicant’s age and need for biometrics, they may pay the following when they file I-485:
- $1,140 for anyone older than 78
- The same amount and $85 for biometric if younger than 78
- $1,440 if you want to expedite processing
Can EB-2 Applicants Bring Their Family?
Yes, if they can provide proof of the following:
- A marriage (spouse)/relationship (minor children) to the EB-2 applicant
- EB-2 applicant’s immigrant category and Form I-485/green card
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
The EB2 Green Card Wait Time may seem interminable and will be for naught if you don’t get approved for the EB2 green card at the end of it. That’s because you will be under close scrutiny by USCIS when you apply for this visa. We strongly recommend that you hire the best immigration attorney with mostly successful EB2 applications on their resume, i.e., Eric Price.
